Every year in Nigeria, thousands of students sit for WAEC, NECO, GCE, and NABTEB exams while also preparing for JAMB UTME or Direct Entry (DE). But what happens if your O’level results are not yet released when universities begin their Post UTME or DE screening? Does it mean you will miss out on admission that year?
The good news is many Nigerian universities accept awaiting results for both Post UTME and Direct Entry applicants, as long as you provide the results before the school finalizes its admission list. In fact, awaiting results admission is one of the most common routes students use to secure admission every academic session.
In this 2025 guide, we will break down everything you need to know about awaiting results in Nigerian universities, including:
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The meaning of “awaiting result” and how it works in JAMB/Post UTME.
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Why universities allow awaiting results for admission.
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Step-by-step process of applying with awaiting results.
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Full list of Nigerian universities that accept awaiting results for Post UTME and Direct Entry.
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Risks, mistakes, and how to avoid losing your admission chance.
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Tips for success and how to upload your results properly.
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Detailed FAQs with answers to over 10 key questions.
If you have ever searched for terms like “universities that accept awaiting result in Nigeria,” “awaiting result Post UTME schools,” or “Direct Entry awaiting result universities” — this article is your complete guide.
What Is Awaiting Result in JAMB and University Admission?
Awaiting Result (AR) means applying for JAMB UTME, Post UTME, or Direct Entry without having your O’level results (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or GCE) ready at the time of registration. Instead of uploading complete grades, JAMB allows you to indicate that you are still waiting for your exam results.
In practice, this means:
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You can register for JAMB UTME or DE even if your results are not yet released.
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You can also apply for Post UTME in your chosen university with “awaiting result.”
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However, you must upload the released results to JAMB CAPS and your university portal before admission is finalized.
This flexibility ensures that candidates who wrote WAEC or NECO in the same year as JAMB are not excluded from the admission process.
Why Universities Accept Awaiting Result in Nigeria
You might wonder: why would universities allow candidates without results to apply? The reason is simple:
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Timing of Exams vs Admission:
WAEC and NECO exams often finish around June/July, while JAMB UTME and Post UTME processes begin earlier. If universities only admitted those with ready results, thousands of candidates would be unfairly excluded. -
Fair Opportunity:
Many candidates write JAMB in SS3 before WAEC results are released. Accepting awaiting results ensures these students are not left behind. -
Wider Admission Pool:
Schools want to attract more candidates for screening. Awaiting result students make up a large part of applicants each year. -
JAMB Policy Support:
JAMB officially allows awaiting result candidates to register, provided they upload their results once released. Universities simply align with this policy.
How Awaiting Result Works for Post UTME and Direct Entry
1. For Post UTME Candidates
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You register for JAMB UTME with awaiting result.
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After writing JAMB, you apply for your school’s Post UTME screening.
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During registration, you fill in “awaiting result” for your O’level grades.
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Once WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB releases results, you upload them on JAMB CAPS and the school portal.
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The school then processes your admission.
2. For Direct Entry (DE) Candidates
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You apply through JAMB DE with your A’level qualifications (ND, NCE, JUPEB, IJMB, or HND).
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If your O’level result or A’level transcript is not yet available, you can register with awaiting result.
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Before admission is finalized, you must submit all outstanding results to both JAMB and the university.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply with Awaiting Result
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Register for JAMB UTME/DE
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Indicate “Awaiting Result” during O’level result upload.
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Ensure your chosen subjects align with your intended course.
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Apply for Post UTME or DE Screening
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Fill in “Awaiting Result” where required.
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Complete all other details accurately.
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Write Your Exams and Await Results
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Sit for WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB.
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Monitor result release dates carefully.
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Upload Results Immediately When Released
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Visit JAMB-accredited CBT centers to upload your result.
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Also update your university’s admission portal.
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Confirm Upload on JAMB CAPS
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Log in to JAMB CAPS.
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Check if your O’level status is showing “Available” and correct.
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Follow Up on Admission Status
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Keep checking JAMB CAPS and school portal.
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Accept your admission once offered.
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List of Universities That Accept Awaiting Result in Nigeria (2025)
The majority of Nigerian universities accept awaiting results for Post UTME and Direct Entry. However, candidates must submit results before the school completes admission processing. Below is a categorized list:
Federal Universities That Accept Awaiting Result
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University of Lagos (UNILAG)
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University of Ibadan (UI)
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University of Benin (UNIBEN)
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University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
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Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU)
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Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
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Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
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Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)
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Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
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University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
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University of Calabar (UNICAL)
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University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
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Bayero University Kano (BUK)
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Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUSOK)
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Federal University Dutse (FUD)
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Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)
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Federal University Lokoja (FUL)
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Federal University Gusau (FUGUS)
State Universities That Accept Awaiting Result
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Lagos State University (LASU)
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Ekiti State University (EKSU)
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Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
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Osun State University (UNIOSUN)
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Delta State University (DELSU)
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Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma
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Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA)
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Benue State University (BSU)
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Rivers State University (RSU)
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Imo State University (IMSU)
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Abia State University (ABSU)
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Kwara State University (KWASU)
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Nasarawa State University (NSUK)
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Taraba State University (TSU)
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Kogi State University (KSU)
Private Universities That Accept Awaiting Result
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Covenant University
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Babcock University
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Bowen University
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Redeemer’s University
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Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)
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Landmark University
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Bells University of Technology
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Madonna University
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Igbinedion University Okada
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Caleb University
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Achievers University
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Al-Hikmah University
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Lead City University
Risks of Using Awaiting Result and How to Avoid Them
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Late Upload May Cost Admission
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If your results are not uploaded before admission lists are finalized, you may lose your offer.
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Solution: Upload as soon as results are released.
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Wrong Subject Combination
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Some candidates realize too late that their O’level subjects don’t match their course.
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Solution: Confirm subject requirements before choosing a course.
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Fake or Unaccredited Programs
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Some schools or websites may claim to accept awaiting result but are unrecognized.
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Solution: Stick to JAMB-listed universities.
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Inconsistent Records
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Names, dates of birth, or exam numbers may differ across documents.
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Solution: Ensure all details match across JAMB, WAEC/NECO, and Post UTME forms.
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Tips to Succeed with Awaiting Result Admission
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Be proactive: Don’t wait for deadlines before uploading your result.
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Double-check details: Ensure your grades match what you submit.
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Stay updated: Regularly check your school portal and JAMB CAPS.
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Have alternatives: Choose a second-choice school to increase admission chances.
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Seek guidance: Ask from school counselors or experienced students.
Summary Table: Universities That Accept Awaiting Result in Nigeria
Category | Examples of Universities | Accepts AR for Post UTME? | Accepts AR for DE? |
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Federal Universities | UNILAG, UI, UNN, OAU, UNILORIN, FUTA, UNIPORT | Yes | Yes |
State Universities | LASU, EKSU, OOU, UNIOSUN, DELSU, IMSU, ABSU | Yes | Yes |
Private Universities | Covenant, Babcock, Bowen, ABUAD, Madonna, Igbinedion | Yes | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do all universities in Nigeria accept awaiting results?
Yes, most universities accept awaiting results for both Post UTME and Direct Entry, provided you submit the results before admission is finalized.
2. Can I gain admission without uploading my result?
No. You must upload your WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB results on JAMB CAPS and the school portal to secure admission.
3. What happens if my result is withheld?
If your result is delayed or withheld, you may lose admission for that year unless it is released before the school finalizes lists.
4. Can I use awaiting result for Direct Entry?
Yes, you can register with awaiting result for DE, but you must later provide O’level and A’level transcripts before admission.
5. Which exam bodies are accepted for awaiting results?
WAEC, NECO, GCE, and NABTEB results are accepted as awaiting results.
6. How do I upload my result after release?
Visit a JAMB-accredited CBT center with your exam printout. They will upload it for you.
7. Can I change my course if my result doesn’t meet requirements?
Yes. JAMB allows you to apply for a change of course if your grades don’t meet your first choice requirements.
8. Is awaiting result better than choosing another year?
Yes, because it allows you to participate in the current admission cycle instead of waiting another year.
9. Do polytechnics also accept awaiting result?
Yes, most Nigerian polytechnics also accept awaiting results.
10. Can I combine two results while using awaiting result?
Yes, many universities allow candidates to combine WAEC and NECO results if it meets subject requirements.
Conclusion: Secure Your Admission with Awaiting Result
Applying to universities in Nigeria with awaiting results is a common and fully acceptable process. The key is ensuring you upload your results as soon as they are released and keeping all your details consistent across JAMB and university portals.
Whether you are applying for Post UTME or Direct Entry, universities across Nigeria — federal, state, and private — provide opportunities for awaiting result candidates every year. With proper planning and timely updates, you can successfully secure admission in 2025.
Your next step? Stay alert, upload results early, and follow up on your admission status. Admission success is possible, even with awaiting result, if you take the right actions at the right time.